Republic of Slovenia 26th Independence Day
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda June 30, 2017
The 26th anniversary of the creation of the Republic of Slovenia in 1991 was celebrated in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall on Friday June 30, 2017. The country declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Andrej Gregor Rode, Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia, welcomed the crowd at a celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall of the 26th Slovenian Statehood Day. He then introduced the Slovenian Chorus Fantje Na Vasi to lead the singing of the national anthems of the United States and Slovenia.
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Andrej Gregor Rode, Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia
Consul General Rode spoke of the successful struggle for independence from Yugoslavia and gave some history of Slovenians in Cleveland.
Consul General Andrej Rode
Consul General Rode thanked Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson for his support at a celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall of the 26th Slovenian Statehood Day. Mayor Jackson thanked the Slovenian community for their help in building the city.
Mayor Frank Jackson
He then introduced Ohio State Senator Kenny Yuko at a celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall of the 26th Slovenian Statehood Day. Senator Yuko spoke about Slovenians and their culture in Cleveland.
Ohio State Senator Kenny Yuko
Consul Rode then introduced Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek who spoke about Senator George Voinovich, the people of Cleveland of Slovenian heritage, the battle for independence of Slovenia in 1991 and more.
City Councilman Mike Polensek
Next, Consul General Andrej Rode presented proclamations to several Slovenian organizations that were celebrating anniversaries. This included SNPJ, the Slovene National Benefit Society and Cleveland Federation of Lodges, the Polka Hall of Fame and the Slovenian Chorus Fantje Na Vasi.
The Slovenian Chorus Fantje na vasi (Boys from the village) Slovenian men's a cappella choir performed at the celebration. The chorus is celebrating their 40th anniversary. This is the first of 2 songs they performed.
Fantje na vasi
This is the second of 2 songs that the Slovenian Chorus Fantje na vasi (Boys from the village) Slovenian men's a cappella choir performed.
After the formal program, guests enjoyed Slovenian wines and potica and other foods. Enjoy these other images from the 26th Slovenian Statehood event
August Pust, Mayor Jackson and Consul Rode
Consul General Andrej Rode and Councilman Mike Polensek
Fantje na vasi with Mayor Jackson
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Rose Marie Jisa and husband
Ruth and Rich Creppage
Pam and Kenny Yuko
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